Strong turnout for Red Cross Club's blood drive
Less than one-twelfth of the total amount of blood in a human body is enough to save a human life.
Backed by this knowledge, and under the slogan of "Give and Let Live," the Red Cross Club at AUB held a two-day blood donation campaign in West Hall's Common Room on March 21 and 22.
The drive had been scheduled for the beginning of the 2006-2007 Fall semester, but due to the prevailing political circumstances in the country, it had to be postponed. Nevertheless, the new date proved to be quite auspicious, as many donors poured into West Hall to give blood.
According to Red Cross Club Public Relations Officer Edouard Layoun, more than 133 units were donated, a figure that almost matches last year's 140 donated units and which is double the amount donated two years ago.
Club member Jean Sfeir, who was also active in the blood drive, commented: "We are very happy with the outcome of our campaign, and we are amazed by the number of students willing to donate blood."
Sfeir noted that although 133 units were collected, more than 220 AUBites showed up to donate, but many had to be turned away because they did not meet screening criteria.
"That shows the strong spirit of giving prevalent among the AUB community, in general, and the student population, in particular," said Sfeir.
Donated units were given to the Children's Cancer Center.
Part of the campaign's success was due to the promotional Red Cross tent that was erected outside West Hall, drawing people in to donate. Volunteers also distributed promotional flyers that raised awareness about the importance of giving blood.
Inside West Hall, a well-organized system meant that donors could go through the screening process very smoothly before giving blood on one of four beds provided by the AUB Medical Center, along with other medical equipment. Doctors from the medical center were the ones entrusted to draw blood, once donors were cleared for body temperature, weight, heart rate and hemoglobin concentration measures. As soon as the 450-ml blood bag was filled, a donor was treated to some biscuits, juice, a calendar, a keychain and a stress ball as a token of appreciation.
Donors were also encouraged to join the Blood Donation Information Center (BDIC) which is managed by the Red Cross Club, in order to make it easier for the club to reach them in case of emergencies.
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